  |
|
|
|
Ways to Avoid Alzheimer'sPreventative Actions May Reduce the Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Australian and American dementia researchers have described simple lifestyle approaches that people at risk can take to lessen the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's.
There are no clear actions guaranteed to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease, the memory-destroying horror that stalks elderly and sometimes young people. But experts at America’s Mayo Clinic and Australia’s Dementia Collaborative Research Centre agree there are some health and lifestyle changes people can make that may lessen their chances of developing the terrible condition. The recommendations come from a range of studies worldwide into exercise, estrogen, diet and drugs, that are outlined in a special report on Alzheimer’s Disease, in the October 2008 issue of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
Taking steps to improve cardiovascular health -- such as losing weight, and controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol -- may help prevent Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Diet influences conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, which may be risk factors for Alzheimer’s. Recent research found that drinking fruit and vegetable juices may delay Alzheimer’s. This protection may result from antioxidants in fruits and vegetables.
The results of studies into cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) are unclear as to whether using these medications regularly in midlife decreases a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s.
Since inflammation has been observed in the brains of some people with Alzheimer’s, researchers have looked at whether NSAIDs could prevent the disease. Several studies suggest that ibuprofen, naproxen and indomethacin may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. However, there were no similar benefits from celecoxib and aspirin.
Early studies suggested that estrogen may protect against Alzheimer’s, but more recent studies have not confirmed that finding.
Some studies have suggested that remaining mentally active, especially as a person ages, reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Preliminary trials of an Alzheimer’s vaccine were halted several years ago when some participants developed inflammation . Those who didn’t have inflammation showed some positive benefits. Researchers are working on a second-generation vaccine. Keep Fit, Active and Eat More Fruit and VegetablesDr. Wichat Srikusalanukul, Manager of the Prevention, Early Intervention and Risk Reduction section of the Australian Dementia Collaborative Research Centre, said the guidelines outlined in the Mayo Health Letter “are generally consistent with the available systematic reviews that have evaluated the evidence for these risk factors for dementia.” The take home message is one that relates to all health issues: keep active, stay mentally alert, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels and eat more fruit and vegetables. Whatever the final result, our quality of life can only improve if we follow these simple rules! See also: Exercise Could Prevent Dementia See also: Omega-3 Lowers Risk of Alzheimer’s
The copyright of the article Ways to Avoid Alzheimer's in Alzheimer's Disease is owned by Sue Cartledge. Permission to republish Ways to Avoid Alzheimer's in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
